Hi,

I'm really sorry to hear what happened to you and hope you recovered from it ok. I also experienced an attempting mugging at the beginning of February in the alley way that connects Sunderland Road and Shipman Road. Initially the guy cycled up next to me when I was walking up Sunderland Rd and asked for the time. But when I turned down the alleyway he came up to me again and asked for my bag. I pegged it and shouted very loudly for help (esp as my passport was in my handbag and I was flying to Thailand the next day!!!). Luckily he didn't chase after me and I called the police as soon as I got home and they were fantastic. They came over in minutes and I went for a drive around to see if we could find the guy, sadly we didn't.

Be careful people - my mugger was an opportunist and usually there are a few people walking home so its busy, but there was nobody around when it happened. The police said that reported muggings are on the up in this area so its paramount that if it happens to you, you report it even if they are wearing a hoodie or their face is covered up.

Another tip from me is to stick things like your phone, house keys and oyster card in your pockets so if you do get your bag snatched at least you can get home and make a phone call.

Stay safe.